We are re-siding our house with Hardie Board and are struggling to make design decisions that will last for decades. The front is the original part of the house, which currently has white vinyl but originally had 10" clapboard on the bottom and potentially cedar shakes on the top (based on other homes that still have original wood). The back is new construction, and we would really like the architectural detail to pop.

The front walkway is blue and red slate and back patio is bluestone in case that matters.

For colors - We are looking at Hardie's Aged Pewter color but I also like Slate Gray and Pearl Gray.

Not sure what to do about texture, but considering a mix.

If this was your house, what would you do?